Methods for reducing botulinum neurotoxin A toxicity

Abstract

The present invention is based on the identification of synaptic vessel glycoprotein SV2 as the BoNT/A receptor and the further identification of various BoNT/A-binding fragments of SV2. The disclosure here provides new tools for diagnosing and treating botulism.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for reducing botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) toxicity in a human or non-human animal comprising the step of:
 administering to the human or non-human animal an agent that reduces binding between BoNT/A and a synaptic vesicle glycoprotein SV2 in the human or non-human animal, wherein the agent is a polypeptide that comprises the amino acids at positions 486 to 523 of SEQ ID NO:16 and that is capable of binding to BoNT/A. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method is for reducing BoNT/A toxicity in a human. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the agent further comprises a ganglioside.